Why Bologna Should Be Your Next Italian City Break: Insiders’ Tips, Best Eats & Day Trips

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Bologna your Ultimate Travelling Guide by a Local

This is the ultimate travel guide for visiting Bologna and why Bologna should be your next Italian city break but first, let me share some quick information about this beautiful and authentic Italian city.

Where is Bologna

Bologna is in Emilia-Romagna region in Northeast of Italy. Emilia-Romagna is the top region in Italy for food lovers it’s where the Parmesan cheese is created, home for the tortellini pasta, Parm ham and lots of good wines and much more!

How to get to Bologna

It is relatively easy to get to Bologna, and it can be reached through many means of transports, by air, by bus, by train and by car.

Bologna by Air

Luckily Bologna is well served by extensive public transport and an international airport called “Aeroporto di Bologna – Gugliemo Marconi”.

The train offers a shuttle service connecting the airport directly with the historic main centre.

Bologna by Train

People can get to Bologna by high-speed Italian trains connecting it to main cities and other smaller towns in the region and nearby regions, connecting this city easily to Rome, Milan, Venice and Florence within a train distant that can be less 1-hour.

Booking the train tickets can be directly made online on OMIO.

Pro Tip: Bologna main train station is modern and offers lifts, this comes handy for people moving with luggage and for people needing assistance.

Bologna by Bus

Flexibus and other local bus companies connects all main Italian cities and Europe as well, those tickets can be booked online, I use OMIO to book all my rail and bus transport in Europe and in Italy.

Bologna by Car

Easily people can pick up rented cars from the airport car rental agencies, my top choice is Rental cars, I enjoy booking and comparing the prices and it gives the option of free cancellation 24-hour before the booking date.

Personal recommendation, unless you are planning to venture outside Bologna or staying in the countryside, I wouldn’t rent a car, trains are great alternative in Bologna.

Pro Tip: The default option renting a car in Italy is manual driving, if you need to book an automatic car, make sure you request the automatic feature and reading between the lines of the small information to guarantee you booked the car of choice.

Is Bologna Worth Visiting?

I visited Bologna over 4 times already and every time I go, I fell in love with this city. From the arches, the facades and architecture to the delicious food, to the boutique shopping and beautiful squares. Honestly, there are million reasons whey you should add Bolonga to your Italy travel!

Let me share my top reasons to visit Bologna and you get to decide whether it worth visiting!

Top 10 Reasons to Why Visiting Bologna

#1 The Food Capital of Italy

Bologna is known as “La Grassa” which translates into “The Fat One”! All for a good reason, as Bologna is the birthplace of tagliatelle al ragù (which is internationally known as the “Bolognese” and it is Pasta cooked with minced beef and tomato sauce), tortellini in brodo is a type of small pasta soup filled with meat and cooked with vegetables, the perfect hearty soup for cold days, and mortadella.

To try those dishes and more of what Bologna offers, here are the Top places to eat in Bologna:

Top Places to Eat in Bologna

• Sfoglia Rina – Handmade Pasta Bar and unique and cute concept! If you are alone, no problem! There is a shared long table for people to sit together.
• Al Sangiovese – Fine local dining
• Ristorante L’Arcimboldo – Fine dining
• Trattoria di Via Serra – Casual local dining
• La Taverna Di Roberto – local food
• Trattoria Bertozzi – Local Bolognese typical food
• Bologna Oberdan (La Prosciutteria) – Deli and wine
• Antica Osteria Le Mura – Antique osteria with local food
• Da Cesari – Excellent menu of wines and local food
• Trattoria Nonna Gigia – Classical Bolgnese Trattoria
• Osteria San Carlino – Top place for wine and local food
• Salumeria Simoni Bologna 1960 – Top Cold cuts Deli and wine
• Mortadella Lab – best for mortadella sandwiches and takeaway
• Vamolino Bologna – traditional Bolognese food with antique setup

#2 Authentic and Untouristy

Unlike Florence or Venice, Bologna feels local. You’ll hear Italian everywhere, see students cycling to class, and enjoy a slice of real Italian life away from tourist crowds.

#3 The Porticoes — A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Bologna’s 38 km of covered porticoes at the historical city centre, connecting the towers together, are stunning architectural wonders and now UNESCO-listed. They make walking the city magical and shaded in summer, dry in winter.

Pro Tip: when walking under these Porticoes, look up and admire the different interiors, colours and designs, as each section has different deign.

#4 Bologna is Home to the Oldest University in Europe

Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna gives the city its youthful, intellectual vibe. The university quarter is full of vibrant cafes, bookstores, and street art.

#5 Stunning Medieval Leaning Towers and Views

Skip Pisa Leaning tower and walk at the historic city centre to view the stunning 2 towers of Torre degli Asinelli that were built in 1109 & 1119 by the family of Asinelli offer panoramic views over Bologna’s terracotta rooftops and considered one of the best skyline views in Italy.

Unfortunately, one of the leaning towers was brought down due to the dangerous leaning angle and today the access to the towers is closed as reconstruction efforts are taking place.

#6 Centrally Located for Day Trips to Nearby Hidden Gems Italian Towns

Bologna’s train connections make it easy to explore central and northern parts of Italy in 1-day trips, my top choices are:

Emilia-Romagna Region (Home Region of Bologna and the Food Haven Region)

• Modena – less than 30 minutes by train the home of the balsamic vinegar, why not joining a tour exploring and tasting Modena’s best and oldest Balsamic vinegars.
• Parma –Less than 1-hour by train the home of the Parmesan cheese and Parma Ham! Great escape to taste the deliciousness of Emilia-Romagna Region. Book your guided private tasting tour that includes a full day tasting Parmesan cheese, Parma ham, balsamic and wine tasting!
• Ferrara – less than 30- minutes, Home of the Ferrari car and its museum, join this amazing tour at the museum, definitely a must do for this red car lovers!

Lombardy (The Region of Milan)

Mantova (Mantua)– less than 2-hours ride by train.  Walk between the romantic classic medieval architecture at the historic centre and admire the rivers. Easy to explore this beautiful city with a local guide and by foot.

Veneto Region (Home of Venice and the Top Valpolicella & Amarone Wines!)

• Verona – less than 1-hour by train you will reach one of the most romantic cities in the world! The home of Shakespear novel of Romeo and Juliette. Visit Piazza Bra for the Roman Arena and Piazza Erbe for the local market and sip the traditional Aperol Spritz
• Padova (Padua) – less than 1-hour by train and one of the most stunning and underrated Italian cities, known for its beautiful historic city centre and Venetian Piazza and Palazzo. Book your private highlight tour to enjoy this hidden gem city.
• Venice – less than 1:30 hour by train. Do I need to mention why Venice is a must visit?! It is Venice, the only Sea-Floating city in the world! Ride the Gondola and explore Piazza San Marco.

Tuscany Region (No magical Tuscan Hills & Medieval Towns)

Florence: the core and beauty of Tuscany! Less than 40-minute by train and you will reach one of the beautiful cities in Italy.

#7 Incredible Aperitivo Culture

Evenings in Bologna come alive with aperitivo where locals chatting over wine and charcuterie in buzzing piazzas. Try Piazza Santo Stefano or Via Pescherie Vecchie.

Top Cocktail and Aperitivo Bars in Bologna:

• Osteria Marsalino Gia Latteria
• Bar Volare
• Osteria Del Sole
• Black Cat Pub
• Il Mistico Cocktail and Wine
• Aurum Bologna

#8 Hidden Canals and Secret Corners

Peek through the Finestrella di Via Piella to see Bologna’s “Little Venice”, one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

#9 Warm, Welcoming Locals

Bolognese people are famously proud of their city and generous with their food and hospitality, you’ll leave with full stomachs and fuller hearts.

Book one of those memorable and recommended food, wine and day tours when you are visiting Bologna.

Top Bologna Food, Wine & Day Tours

• Small group Pasta & Tiramisu making class
• Home cooking class at Grace’s home
• Bologna Private tour highlights and hidden gems with a local
• Bologna Food & Market Tour with 6 tasting pasta & wine & more
• Bologna Food Experience: Factory Tours & Family-Style Lunch

#10 Shopping Destination

Bologna is a haven for shopping lovers; the centre is buzzed with local boutiques and international brands to shop. Enjoy the competitive European prices and tax-free shopping when meeting the minimum threshold.

Or drive around 1-hour outside the city to shop from the famous designer outlet mall of Barberino

Top Stays in Bologna

• Top Luxury 5 Stars Hotel in Bologna: Grand Hotel Majestic Gia Baglioni
• Top Luxury Apartments at the heart of Bologna: Borgonuovo Apartments
• Chic with classical Italian vibe apartments: Casa Bertagni
• Affordable without compromising comfort and right at the heart of Bologna city centre: Casa Nina Bologna Centro

The Best Time to Visit Bologna

The best time to visit Bologna is during the seasons of Autumn and Spring, where it will not be too cold or too warm for enjoying the sightseeing and makes it perfect to indulge with the hearty Bolognese food!

Pro Tip: I would personally avoid visiting Bologna during summertime, as it tends to be very hot to walk comfortably around. During summertime, it is best to visit the coastal towns and beaches.

Bologna Itinerary Review & Planning

Do you want additional help in crafting your Bologna itinerary or simply do you want for a local to go through your Italy itinerary to check if it makes sense for transport and how many days to stay in each city? Book your call with me here.

For the complete Italy Travelling tips, visit my other article here.